Speaker
Description
Steel plants operating for extended periods tend to stabilize into a steady operational state, which may not necessarily align with their peak production potential. Emerging challenges, such as rising energy costs and the task for decarbonization, necessitate a more detailed analysis and enhancement of existing operational processes integrating push and pull scenarios.
With automation, a vast amount of process information and data is already being collected. However, efficiency assessments and optimization efforts often rely solely on average values, overlooking critical variations. A comprehensive evaluation of the entire value stream along the production – supported by distinguishing between normal and unique production situations integrating special cause variations – can provide key insights into areas for operational improvement beyond the evaluation of just averages.
The combination of technological expertise, production know how with operational excellence methodologies can help identify those additional improvement opportunities.
This can be achieved through updated standard operating procedures (SOPs), identifying and controlling input variation, visual planning, and enhanced planning discipline, all of which drive significant improvements without requiring substantial capital expenditures (CAPEX).
However, bridging the gap between methodological frameworks and real-world operations integrating state of the art technological solutions remains a challenge for both consulting and operational teams.